Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3. White: pawn on e5, bishop on g5, pawn on d4, knight on c3, queen on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, knight on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on c6, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on b5, pawn on c4.
Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3. It is classified D44 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Semi-Slav combines the Slav's c6 with the Queen's Gambit Declined's e6, giving Black an extremely solid centre at the cost of once again blocking in the light-squared bishop. It leads to some of the sharpest and most heavily analysed positions in all of chess.
Strategic character
Two main directions define it: the Meran, where Black plays dxc4 and b5 for queenside expansion, and the Botvinnik, an enormously complicated line where both kings come under fire and concrete knowledge matters more than general principles.
Who should play it
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.
This line is a variation within the Semi-Slav Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation?
The Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3. It is classified D44 in the ECO system. The Semi-Slav combines the Slav's c6 with the Queen's Gambit Declined's e6, giving Black an extremely solid centre at the cost of once again blocking in the light-squared bishop. It leads to some of the sharpest and most heavily analysed positions in all of chess.
What are the moves of the Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Semi-Slav Defense: Botvinnik Variation, Szabo Variation good for beginners?
Experienced players willing to invest in theory. The Semi-Slav punishes improvisation more than most openings.